Frank Earle Ball

Frank Earle Ball, 91 of Salem, NH passed away on Tuesday August 13, 2024 at Holy Family Hospital, Methuen.

Mr. Ball was born on November 2, 1932 in Lawrence, MA. to Merritt and Annie (Shirton) Ball. He grew up in Methuen where he received his education and graduated with the class of 1951 from Edward F. Searles High School. In June of 1951, Frank entered The United States Air Force where he spent 26 years before retiring in 1977 with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He retired as superintendent of Air Traffic Control at The North Region Control at Hancock Field in North Syracuse, NY.

Frank’s station assignments covered eight different states. His overseas assignments included tours in Alaska, Canada, Thailand and Vietnam and two separate tours of duty in the Phillipines. He was awarded The Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Air Force Longevity Service Award and The Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon.

Frank also worked at Centronics in Hudson, NH as final inspector on high speed and low speed Matrix Printers. He also spent several summers operating several different rides at Canobie Lake Park.

Frank was predeceased by his beloved wife Marjorie (Dawe) Ball and his beloved daughter Judy (Ball) Langley. Besides his parents Merritt and Annie (Shirton) Ball, he was also predeceased by his brothers Merritt R. Ball and Donald Ball and  his sisters Elizabeth Byrom, Barbara Jameson and Patricia Indurre. He is survived by his son James A. Ball, his sisters Joyce Sparta and her husband Paul and Marilyn Logan and her husband Robert and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to an hour of visitation on Tuesday August 27, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home 80 Broadway, Methuen. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 am on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen. To leave an online condolence, please visit Frank’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com.

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